PaleBlue

The wife and I are considering an Alaskan cruise, but are concerned about customs and how that might impact our ability to take some smoke. We've decided to go with one that leaves Seattle (our home town), bypasses Canada, and then returns, bypassing Canada once again. If the ship doesn't ever enter a foreign port, do you still have to go through customs one way or the other? Has anyone on the list done an Alaskan cruise? If so, I'd love to get your feedback. Thanks!

ahender

ive never been on a cruise but i live in one of the smaller ports those cruises go in. what ive seen when people leave the ship then go back in they just check your ticket and id. but idk what they do at the start.

O High O

Never been on a cruise either, but hop off in Alaska and grab a bag of that Alaskan Thunderfuck. Can I say that?

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Feorge Gorman

I just spoke with an expert, and he says that with the exception of Disney cruises, ALL Alaskan cruises require a customs visit entering AND returning. The reason being is that you will be stopping somewhere in Canada. It's a gambling issue. I was told it's because these ships are provided with casinos, and they HAVE to make a stop in a foreign port in order to provide you with gaming entertainment. A technicality, if you will.

My buddy said that he HAS noticed dogs (he doesn't know if these were bomb sniffers or weed snffers), and your luggage will be scrutinized...whether it's with an x-ray machine or manual inspection.

He said the best thing to do is bring it in on your person, maybe in one of your socks. Pockets are not a good idea because if you have change in your pocket that sets off the metal detector, you might be forced to empty 'em out.

And don't return with any. If you're bringing weed, smoke it all before you return...he said it's worse if you get caught bringing it back.

This is all 2nd hand info...but my buddy has been on a TON of cruises, and the last one WAS to Alaska!

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feorge

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SpiralArchitect

Feorge is 100% right.

I actually live in one of the hottest tourist stops in Alaska, Juneau. If your taking a cruise to Alaska, it's almost guaranteed your stopping here...

Be careful taking weed and illegal substances onto those Cruise ships, I have seen police escorting people off boats before - I can only assume it was for that reason. I would naturally assume people try to transport larger amounts of drugs to AK through the very big cruise ship/tourist industry so they are probably keeping their eyes out for suspicious people, you should be fine as your discreet, safe, and smart.

If your really gonna give it a try, put it in your luggage, only smoke at the back of the boat at night if your really itching for a smoke - otherwise keep all your toke sessions for when your on land.

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BartSimpson

There have been numerous first-person accounts of embarking on a cruise ship - perhaps the OP could conduct a search?

Essentially, if I recall correctly, cruise ships are required to conduct the same level of security screening that airports do - so your luggage will be searched by hand or x-ray, and individuals will be screened for threats to shipboard security outbound. Therefore the whitey-tightey method will work best to bring enough to enjoy on the poop deck discretely.

With a port of call in another country (which I thought was required for US flagged cruise ships) you are subject to Customs at the port of entry - and you should not attempt international smuggling.

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MasterCylinder

There are very few US flagged cruise ships in the world (somewhere in the neighborhood of 2 or 3). The vast majority of ships are registered in third world countries. Those places are called flags of convenience because of their low safety standards.

PaleBlue

Just wanted to clarify something. The cruise we are going to take doesn't stop anywhere but Seattle and Alaska..... no stops in Canada. Still, a friend of mine has pointed out that anytime you push off coast, you're in international waters and, therefore, subject to customs and search once you return to a US port. Looks like I'll either have to cruise dry, not take the trip, or win the lottery and hire my own ship to do the cruise. The first two seem to be the most viable options!

MasterCylinder

You can enjoy the cruise without getting high. Take the cruise....your wife will enjoy it for sure. It will give you a sabbatical from the weed and when you get home, that first buzz will take you way back.

ninfan77

Make some brownies for the first leg of th trip....